JD Wetherspoon is set to open a bar and hotel complex in a former hostel on Dublin's Camden Street.

Dublin City Council has granted planning permission for the Southside venture, while also raising concerns about the British pub chain's plans to open another branch on Lower Abbey Street.

This would involve amalgamating two historic buildings, one of which is a protected structure.

Camden Hall was the country's largest homeless hostel, and was purchased by Wetherspoon two years ago with the intention of a €4 million renovation into a 98-room hotel with bar and restaurant.

Permission was sought 10 months ago, but the process stalled after concerns were raised over the concentration of pubs in the area.

With permission finally granted after further details were submitted, it will be Wetherspoon's first hotel venture in the country. It is subject to 20 conditions, including a ban on projecting signs and amplified music that could be heard outside.

As for its Northside plans, it looks unlikely now that Wetherspoon – which already operates five pubs in Ireland, alongside its over 900 pubs in Britain and Ireland – will get a verdict on whether it can go ahead on Lower Abbey Street this year.

Dublin City Council reportedly has "reservations" about the changes the chain wants to make to buildings that have stood since the 1830s. Wetherspoon bought the old Permanent TSB bank in early 2015 and the neighbouring Baptist Chapel later that year.

The council is looking for revised plans in relation to the repair and conservation of the two historic buildings, as well as proposed alterations and fresh construction.